Around The NHL Discussion 2020-21

[Reality Czech]

Last season he was on pace for 94 points as a 23 year old. Assuming he stays healthy, I don't think there is any question that he will rack up 400-450 points in the last five years of his current contract, especially surrounded by a good team. I don't know that there are 9 other players in the league you could say that about, meaning he is at least a Top 10 talent.

He may not be in the highest tier, but I think he's a guy you do whatever it takes to get, even if it means making some uncomfortable roster decisions. By that I mean that I know plenty of people on this board would be hesitant to move on from Thomas, but I don't believe Thomas will ever be the player that Eichel already is, and Eichel is young enough that he can still be getting better. I would trade Thomas + + + + for Eichel and not lose a wink of sleep over it. First round picks? It would be a pipe dream to believe that a team that still professes to have its Cup window open for the next few years would hit a 20-32 overall pick hard enough to come anywhere close to landing a player of Eichel's caliber. Again, I part with a couple of firsts without a second thought if that's what it takes to land Eichel.

In terms of stats and skill he is right up there, but there's more to the game than that. Can he take it to the next level and be the main guy on a contending team, or is he just going to be a regular season player? I guess only time will tell. I certainly think he can get there, and don't disagree that his value would be sky high if/when he's traded. I'm just wondering if he'll take it to the next level like a MacKinnon or will be be more like Seguin, who can put up awesome stats but I don't see as a elite all-around player. I guess Eichel is in a similar boat as Dubois. So much talent but we haven't seen them on the big stage much yet.

 

[MissouriMook]

In terms of stats and skill he is right up there, but there's more to the game than that. Can he take it to the next level and be the main guy on a contending team, or is he just going to be a regular season player? I guess only time will tell. I certainly think he can get there, and don't disagree that his value would be sky high if/when he's traded. I'm just wondering if he'll take it to the next level like a MacKinnon or will be be more like Seguin, who can put up awesome stats but I don't see as a elite all-around player. I guess Eichel is in a similar boat as Dubois. So much talent but we haven't seen them on the big stage much yet.

I guess part of my point, though it didn't appear in my post, is that if we brought him into this environment he wouldn't need to be the "main guy", he would just need to focus on being the best teammate and player he can be and let the leadership thing happen organically. I think he is an example of why it's not always a good idea to make your "superstar" the captain just because he is the best player. Some players need to work their way into that role and, frankly, some players will never be leaders no matter how good they are at the other things.

 

[Big Z Man 1990]

I think that if the NHL adds two more teams to the Central Time Zone (and thus division, moving Arizona back to the Pacific), they might be in Milwaukee and Kansas City.

Houston is a preferred stop for many, but it would have to be owned by the Rockets owner. So I don't know if that will work out.

Kansas City and Milwaukee might be easier. For starters, the former would give the Blues an in-state rival, while the latter team would be rivals based on the rivalry between the cities in beer (like what defines the Blues' rivalry with the Avalanche).

 

[Bobby Orrtuzzo]

I think that if the NHL adds two more teams to the Central Time Zone (and thus division, moving Arizona back to the Pacific), they might be in Milwaukee and Kansas City.

Houston is a preferred stop for many, but it would have to be owned by the Rockets owner. So I don't know if that will work out.

Kansas City and Milwaukee might be easier. For starters, the former would give the Blues an in-state rival, while the latter team would be rivals based on the rivalry between the cities in beer (like what defines the Blues' rivalry with the Avalanche).

Milwaukee is also like 2 hours from Chicago, so there’s a rivalry there too

 

[Reality Czech]

I guess part of my point, though it didn't appear in my post, is that if we brought him into this environment he wouldn't need to be the "main guy", he would just need to focus on being the best teammate and player he can be and let the leadership thing happen organically. I think he is an example of why it's not always a good idea to make your "superstar" the captain just because he is the best player. Some players need to work their way into that role and, frankly, some players will never be leaders no matter how good they are at the other things.

Absolutely, I was just speaking in general. He'd be a massive addition to any team, though I can't realistically see the Blues offering the best package for him. I have heard the Rangers and Kings as potential suitors and both destinations make a lot of sense as they have a ton of prospects to trade.

 

[Frenzy31]

Going back to the 10-12 years ago when we had a young Berglund, Oshie, and Perron, who would have thought the longest tenured Blue would be Perron? A fan favorite and the first Blue to be a PPG player.

 

[Frenzy31]

I guess part of my point, though it didn't appear in my post, is that if we brought him into this environment he wouldn't need to be the "main guy", he would just need to focus on being the best teammate and player he can be and let the leadership thing happen organically. I think he is an example of why it's not always a good idea to make your "superstar" the captain just because he is the best player. Some players need to work their way into that role and, frankly, some players will never be leaders no matter how good they are at the other things.

Here is a thought, but if the Blues had traded the same package we did to Buffalo and got Eichel instead of ROR would we have won the cup?

I think Eichel maybe more naturally talented, but I question his drive and leadership more then a little.

 

[Xerloris]

Here is a thought, but if the Blues had traded the same package we did to Buffalo and got Eichel instead of ROR would we have won the cup?

I think Eichel maybe more naturally talented, but I question his drive and leadership more then a little.

No we would not have won the cup. ROR has a different kind of compete level. I think he hates losing more than he likes winning.

 

[Punished ROR]

No we would not have won the cup. ROR has a different kind of compete level. I think he hates losing more than he likes winning.

Yup. Doubt we would have even made the playoffs.

Edit: and at the end of the season, Eichel would have gotten Berube fired

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Holy Cannoli!

The Canucks and Flames have to finish off their regular season while the postseason is rolling.

Luckily the games don’t matter.

 

[TheDizee]

how about that turnover by creampuff to cost his team the game in OT

hahaha

 

[MissouriMook]

Wild win in OT off a Petro turnover. You hate to love to see it.

 

[Zezel’s Pretzels]

Oooof, blown clearing attempt by Pietro in OT and VGK is down a game. Who's not sad? This guy.

 

[fishsandwichpatrol]

oof, pietro blows it for the golden nerds, minny is getting the game they want it seems

 

[Bobby Orrtuzzo]

Boy is it good to see that team lose

 

[Ridge1982]

Boy is it good to see that team lose

Not as good as I want to see Colorado, who by the way is owned by the You Know What, lose.

 

[Robb_K]

Milwaukee is also like 2 hours from Chicago, so there’s a rivalry there too

Kansas City has never supported hockey well. Two NHL teams failed there, and even being one of the largest metro areas in USA, they don't even have an AHL team, because of that. They only have an East Coast Hockey League team, despite having an excellent NHL-ready arena for many years. Milwaukee might be a decent spot for the next expansion, along with Quebec. But, I doubt that The NHL will try K.C. again, soon.

 

[Robb_K]

Boy is it good to see that team lose

It would really be nice to see The Wild win that series and The Blues play them. The Blues match up well with the Wild, like The Wild do with Vegas. I see The Blues beating The Wild, if Perron doesn't miss any games, and Parayko isn't hampered too much by his back problem, even if Tarasenko doesn't play much, or is still ineffective.

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

I can root for the Wild. Longsuffering fans. And the Golden Knights franchise inspires dislike. But I hadn’t counted on Pietro serving up the win.

 

[mk80]

This Florida vs. Tampa game has been the been one so far, and that's after some really good game 1s already!

 

[DoubleK81]

Good god was seeing that VGK game end the way it did ever so satisfying.

 

[Xerloris]

So who's gonna tag you know who about Pietrangelo?

 

[tfriede2]

Go Panthers. This game is awesome

 

[KirkOut]

Is the Vegas hate very new? I f***ing hate the Wild and their fans, I thought we all did. What did Vegas ever do to be hated? The fact that they’re good?

 

[Bluesnatic27]

Is the Vegas hate very new? I f***ing hate the Wild and their fans, I thought we all did. What did Vegas ever do to be hated? The fact that they’re good?

I’m with you on the Wild.

Although I really don’t have a reason. I’m petty, but I really don’t like them.